EP0247087B1 - Portable two way radio with split universal device connector apparatus - Google Patents
Portable two way radio with split universal device connector apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0247087B1 EP0247087B1 EP86906587A EP86906587A EP0247087B1 EP 0247087 B1 EP0247087 B1 EP 0247087B1 EP 86906587 A EP86906587 A EP 86906587A EP 86906587 A EP86906587 A EP 86906587A EP 0247087 B1 EP0247087 B1 EP 0247087B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- module
- radio
- connector
- transceiver
- control systems
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
- H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
- H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
- H04B1/3827—Portable transceivers
- H04B1/3833—Hand-held transceivers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to two-way radios and, more particularly, to a portable two-way radio with a removable RF module and improved means for connecting accessories to the radio and module.
- a portable radio can be provided with an accessory comprising a small remote microphone and speaker (and, perhaps, a remote antenna) whereby the user can communicate through the small hand-held accessory while keeping the larger portable radio affixed to a belt, or, the portable radio can fit into an automobile adaptor which connects the radio to the automobile's battery and antenna system, thereby turning a hand-held portable radio into a more powerful mobile unit.
- the problem of accessory adaptability further complicates the problem of keeping the radio compact and lightweight.
- a portable two-way radio comprises two modules.
- One module is a controls systems module containing the controls necessary to operate radio functions such as volume and channel control, push-to-talk (PTT) button, keyboard, speaker, microphone, and others.
- the other module is the RF module containing the transmitter and receiver portions of the radio, including the antenna.
- the portion of the radio to which the universal device connector is connected is split, with those contacts associated with the control functions (to which they are electrically connected) being located on the exterior of this control systems module casing.
- the universal device contact associated with the RF module (namely, the RF connector) is located on the RF systems module, and the universal device connector contacts associated with both modules are located physically adjacent to each other on their respective modules such that a single multi-pronged universal device connector (UDC) can be electrically connected to both the RF and control systems modules.
- UDC multi-pronged universal device connector
- the RF module is removably connected to the control systems module, both mechanically and electrically.
- the RF module comprises a hollow rear cover casting having an integral upstanding web around its periphery which is received by the control systems module front casting to ensure proper component alignment, weather sealing and to carry structural loads.
- a transceiver component board is sandwiched and captured between honeycomb shielding integrally formed on the inside of the rear cover casting and a separate honeycomb casting which provides further shielding of the RF components on its side of the transceiver board. All electrical connection between the RF and control modules occurs through a multi-pin interconnector associated with the control module and a cooperating male bus connector on the RF module's transceiver board.
- the present invention provides a two-way radio including a control system portion for providing for volume and channel functions, a radio frequency (RF) portion for providing receive and transmit functions characterized by a control systems module containing said control systems portion; a shielded RF module containing said RF portion adapted for removable electrical and physical connection to said control systems module; and a split universal device contacts having a first part thereof associated with said RF module and a second part thereof associated with said control systems module, whereupon electrical and physical interconnection of said RF and control systems modules to form an operative two-way radio, said first and second parts are located physically adjacent to each other on their respective modules such that a single multi-pronged plug can be electrically connected to both said first and second parts.
- RF radio frequency
- a portable two-way radio 10 embodying the present invention comprises a radio portion 12 which includes a transmitter and receiver (or transceiver) in RF module 14 and associated electronic control equipment in control module 16.
- a battery pack 18 is removably attached to and powers radio portion 12.
- Control module 16 is provided with a generally rectangular front housing 20 which has a speaker and microphone portion 22, a keypad 24 for "dialing" or calling selected other radios or telephones, an LCD display window 26 for displaying called numbers and other programmed information in all lighting conditions, a control panel 28 on the top of housing 20 having switches, controls, knobs, lights and the like for controlling and monitoring the various radio functions, and a screw-in antenna connector 30 for an intenna 31 with which to receive and radiate a radio signal.
- the particular controls located on control panel 28 are unimportant to the present invention, it being recognized that different radios serve different purposes - thus, the controls and their configuration are likely to be different.
- Push-to-talk button 32 is located on the side of control module 16 just below the external control contacts 34 which mate with a universal device connector (UDC) as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
- the radio ON-OFF switch 36 is associated with battery pack 18, the circuitry and operation of which is more completely described in EP-A-86 906588.8 entitled "Portable Radio Battery Pack with ON-OFF Switch". Basically, incorporation of switch 36 in the battery pack instead of control module 16 means that an electrical conductor does not have to be routed from the radio's battery contacts to the switch, and thereafter to a radio systems connection and/ or distribution point in control module 16. This makes the radio simpler, smaller and easier to maintain.
- RF module 14 is depicted in an exploded view in order to more clearly show the relationship of the major components comprising the module.
- These components are rear cover 38, transceiver board assembly 40, honeycomb shielding 42, and shield cover 44 which together comprise the generally rectangular RF module 14.
- rear cover 38 is shown to comprise a thin, hollow structural casting made of a metal such as magnesium, preferably plated with copper and nickel, and painted on the outside surface for aesthetic reasons.
- the rear cover comprises a back wall 55 and upstanding side walls 56 forming an open-ended cavity.
- the outer face 46 of back wall 55 is typically plain but may have a carrying clip (not shown) attached thereto.
- back wall 55 has integral laterally and longitudinally extending upstanding ribs 48 (ie., 48a, 48b, 48c ...) forming a honeycomb grid on the inner surface 50 which serves to shield individual components on its side of transceiver board assembly 40.
- Some of the ribs 48 are provided with integrally cast bolt-screw holes 52 (52a, 52b, ).
- An integral upstanding web 54 surrounding the hollow interior cavity of rear cover casting 38 performs a number of functions. It provides an upward extension of thicker side walls 56 to help electrically isolate the RF module, it pilots rear cover casting 38 into proper alignment with front housing 20, it takes loading off the electrical interconnect 58 between the RF and control modules by absorbing lateral shear loads, and it provides a deep weatherproofing lip to keep moisture and other foreign matter out of the interior of RF module 14.
- Upstanding web 54 is received by a downward extending flange 60 of front housing 20, flange 60 bottoming against step 62 between thicker walls 56 and web 54, and compressing therebetween sealing gasket 64. Gasket 64 rests in a contoured groove encircling web 54 and serves to further seal the interior of radio portion 12.
- Transceiver board 40 is laid upon the tops of ribs 48 in spaced relationship to the inside surface 50 of rear cover casting 38 so as to provide room for the transceiver electronic components 65a ... 65e (such as the frequency synthesizer circuit) which are typically mounted and interconnected on both sides of the insulated board.
- the transceiver electronic components 65a ... 65e such as the frequency synthesizer circuit
- certain of the electronic components are shielded from each other and stray RF by the metal ribs 48 and side walls 56.
- the configuration of ribs 48 will be dictated in each case by the shielding requirements of the transceiver board components and also by the need to provide adequate support for the board.
- the honeycomb/eggcrate shield 42 which is preferably a thin-walled metal casting of zinc finished with a highly conductive, solderable protective plating such as Albaloy, a trademarked product of M&T Chemicals, Inc.
- Shield 42 comprises an array of open ended cells (the top and bottom are open) configured to receive particular electronic components, circuits, or portions thereof on the other side of transceiver board 40 which are desired to be shielded from each other.
- cell walls 66 i.e., 66a, 66b, 66c .
- a number of the cell walls are provided with bolt holes 68 which align with rib bolt holes 52 and cooperating holes 70 in transceiver board 40.
- shield cover 44 made of thin spring metal such as phosphor bronze or nickel silver.
- Shield cover 44 is provided with a plurality of spring fingers 72 which wrap around the side walls 66 of honeycomb shield 42 and engage, in a press-fit relationship, the inside of upstanding web 54 which is spaced away from honeycomb shield 42 by an amount sufficient to permit the fit.
- Cover screws 74 are inserted through holes 76 in the shield cover, through mating holes 68, 70 and threaded into rear cover casting rib holes 52 to tie the RF module 14 together.
- Figure 4 further illustrates a controller board 78, also having electronic circuitry 80 mounted thereon, firmly mounted within front cover housing 20 by means of bolts 81 holding the controller board in spaced relationship with RF module 14 and, in particular, in spaced relationship with cover 44.
- Electrical connection between controller board 78 and transceiver board 40 is accomplished entirely by means of electrical interconnect 58 when comprises a plurality of downwardly projecting pins 82 attached to controller boards 78 and a plurality of cooperating female jacks in the form of bus 86 interconnected with transceiver board 40.
- the RF module is easily removable from the control module by merely removing four screws 88 ( Figure 3), holding the four corners of the two modules together and pulling the two modules apart, thereby disconnecting pins 82 from bus 86.
- RF module 14 is further provided with an external RF connector 90 which is used to electrically disconnect the transceiver board 40 from the external antenna which is screwed into antenna connector 30 and to connect it to other equipment such as an automobile antenna through a vehicular charger as is well known in the art.
- RF connector 90 is one of the most sensitive parts of the radio in that it is the point where all RF energy enters and leaves the radio.
- the RF connector is associated with the control circuitry, as is the case in the prior art, it requires a great deal of shielding to prevent stray RF from interfering with the control circuitry.
- the concept of a sealed RF module enables the circuitry associated with RF connector 90 to be contained entirely within the sealed, shielded module, thereby solving all the RF leakage problems.
- RF connector 90 comprises a slideable insulator 92 carrying a central metal conductor pin 94. Insulator 92 is urged out of surrounding collar 96 by a spring 98 disposed between collar 96 and an expanded head portion 100 of insulator 92. Collar 96 is received within an aperture 102 through a thickened portion 104 of honeycomb shield sidewall 66 and retained in position by threaded retainer 106 which is screwed into threaded hole 108 through boss 110 formed on the side of rear cover casting 38 and which urges collar flange 112 against the honeycomb shield. An 0-ring 114 inhibits the entry of moisture into the RF connector area.
- An antenna changeover switch 116 comprising a pair of spring contacts 118, 120 disposed at right angles to each other is electrically and mechanically connected to transceiver board 40 and spaced away from the protruding end of metal conductor pin 94 by an amount less than the travel of insulator 92 within threaded retainer 106.
- the electrical connection between changeover switch 116 and transceiver board 40 occurs at 122 with the normal conduction path being through spring contact 118, metal button 124 and spring contact 120 to central conductor pin 126 of the threaded antenna connector 30 ( Figure 5), thereby electrically connecting the antenna connector (and antenna 31) to the transceiver board.
- an appropriate plug is inserted into RF connector 90, thereby forcing pin 94 against spring contact 118, interrupting the electrical contact between spring 118 and button 124 and electrically disconnecting spring contact 120 from transceiver board 40.
- central conductor pin 94 of RF connector 90 is placed in electrical connection with RF transceiver board 40 in lieu of antenna connector 30.
- External control contacts 34 for the control module 16 are located on the side of housing 20 in a thickened wall section proximate RF connector 90 as shown in Figure 2. These metal contacts are electrically connected via a flex strip interconnect 127 to controller board 78 and provide interface for external speakers, microphone, push-to-talk switch, battery charger, radio programmer and the like. Because all external connection to the radio can be made only through control contacts 34 and RF connector 90 which are located in close proximity to each other, all external connections may be made with a single universal device connector (UDC) 128 which spans modules 14,20.
- UDC universal device connector
- UDC 128 comprises a housing 130 of insulating material such as Lexan O polycarbonate resin encasing a plurality of electrical prongs 132 oriented to touch mating contacts 34 as the UDC is brought into contact with the radio.
- the UDC is retained in place by means of thumb screw 134 and cooperating threaded aperture 135.
- another prong in the form of pin 136 is inserted into RF connector 90 to disconnect radio antenna connector 30 from the transceiver board 40 in favor of an external antenna connected to the UDC via cable 138. All accessories and other devices to be connected to the radio 10 will have their connection made by means of a universal device connector of a type similar to that depicted in Figure 4.
- its UDC may have one or more of its prongs dummied or missing, it being recognized that particular ones of contacts 34 are meant to affect particular control functions and that electrical connection with only those contacts 34 need be effected by the UDC.
- UDCs While there is no reason for all UDCs not to look alike externally, they may differ circuit-wise depending on the particular accessory or device with which they are associated.
- RF connector portion 90 is associated entirely with the shielded, sealed RF module 14, and the control connector portion (comprising control contacts 34) is associated entirely with the control module 16, the RF and control connector portions being located physically adjacent to each other on their respective housings (rear cover casting 46 and control housing 20, respectively) so that a single multi-pronged UDC connector 128 can be electrically connected to both the RF and control systems modules.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Shielding Devices Or Components To Electric Or Magnetic Fields (AREA)
- Transceivers (AREA)
- Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to two-way radios and, more particularly, to a portable two-way radio with a removable RF module and improved means for connecting accessories to the radio and module.
- There is a need for a light-weight portable two-way radio of compact size with high power output. One of the difficulties in designing such a radio is that the solutions for isolating high gain RF signals are inconsistent with the desire for compactness. Adequate shielding for signal isolation typically requires excessive component separation, thus increasing the size of the radio, or complex shielding arrangements which add weight and, to some extent, increase radio size. It is generally agreed that RF shielding in small radios has not been totally effective.
- In addition, there is desire to be able to connect an increasingly complex array of accessories to portable two-way radios. Modern two-way radios are powerful devices, containing microprocessors which enable the radios to perform a multitude of functions and to operate with a host of accessories. For example, a portable radio can be provided with an accessory comprising a small remote microphone and speaker (and, perhaps, a remote antenna) whereby the user can communicate through the small hand-held accessory while keeping the larger portable radio affixed to a belt, or, the portable radio can fit into an automobile adaptor which connects the radio to the automobile's battery and antenna system, thereby turning a hand-held portable radio into a more powerful mobile unit. The problem of accessory adaptability further complicates the problem of keeping the radio compact and lightweight. This is because it is desirable to have all external radio connections made at one location on the radio, albeit through multiple electrical connections through a single multi-pronged electrical plug (commonly referred to as a "universal device connector") configured to mate with cooperating radio contacts. Heretofore, this has necessitated the routing of some RF circuitry through the control section of the radio to the external connection point, further necessitating complex shielding arrangements to insure that any RF radiation leakage does not interfere with the control signalling.
- Underlying all of the foregoing problems is the further desire to have an easily maintainable radio - one which is modular in design so as to permit the relatively easy replacement of defective components. Typically, integrating more functions and components into a radio has increased its complexity and decreased its ease of maintainability.
- Philips Telecommunication Review, Volume 41, Number 3, September 1983, Hilversum (NL), J. McLean: "A new family of FM-Portables" discloses a portable radio comprising a control module, plug in RF module and an extension unit that can be attached to the handled unit via a facility docket on the side.
- Accordingly, it is the primary object of the present invention to provide a portable two-way radio with improved universal device connector apparatus for easily connecting the radio to a host of accessories.
- It is another object of the present invention to isolate the RF portion of the universal device connector apparatus in the RF section of the radio, thus eliminating the necessity of routing some RF circuitry through the control portion of the radio.
- It is yet another object of the present invention to maintain the existing feature of a single universal device connector configuration for all radio accessories.
- It is still another object of the present invention to provide the foregoing in a modular portable two-way radio which offers relatively easy maintainability.
- These and other objects and advantages will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description, drawings and specific examples.
- Briefly stated, the above objectives are accomplished in one embodiment of the present invention in which a portable two-way radio comprises two modules. One module is a controls systems module containing the controls necessary to operate radio functions such as volume and channel control, push-to-talk (PTT) button, keyboard, speaker, microphone, and others. The other module is the RF module containing the transmitter and receiver portions of the radio, including the antenna. The portion of the radio to which the universal device connector is connected is split, with those contacts associated with the control functions (to which they are electrically connected) being located on the exterior of this control systems module casing. The universal device contact associated with the RF module (namely, the RF connector) is located on the RF systems module, and the universal device connector contacts associated with both modules are located physically adjacent to each other on their respective modules such that a single multi-pronged universal device connector (UDC) can be electrically connected to both the RF and control systems modules.
- The RF module is removably connected to the control systems module, both mechanically and electrically. The RF module comprises a hollow rear cover casting having an integral upstanding web around its periphery which is received by the control systems module front casting to ensure proper component alignment, weather sealing and to carry structural loads. A transceiver component board is sandwiched and captured between honeycomb shielding integrally formed on the inside of the rear cover casting and a separate honeycomb casting which provides further shielding of the RF components on its side of the transceiver board. All electrical connection between the RF and control modules occurs through a multi-pin interconnector associated with the control module and a cooperating male bus connector on the RF module's transceiver board. Because of the unique split UDC connector arrangement, it is unnecessary to route any portion of the RF connector circuitry through the control module, thus solving one of the major shielding problems in the radio. Shielding of the RF module is completed with the installation of a thin metallic shield cover over the open end of the rear cover casting, thereby completely enclosing the RF module in a metal housing. The RF module is easily removable from the control systems module by means of a small number of screws and/or bolts, thus improving maintainability of the radio.
- More specifically, the present invention provides a two-way radio including a control system portion for providing for volume and channel functions, a radio frequency (RF) portion for providing receive and transmit functions characterized by a control systems module containing said control systems portion; a shielded RF module containing said RF portion adapted for removable electrical and physical connection to said control systems module; and a split universal device contacts having a first part thereof associated with said RF module and a second part thereof associated with said control systems module, whereupon electrical and physical interconnection of said RF and control systems modules to form an operative two-way radio, said first and second parts are located physically adjacent to each other on their respective modules such that a single multi-pronged plug can be electrically connected to both said first and second parts. The invention will be more fully understood from the following description with the accompanying drawings in which:
- Figure 1 is a front view of a portable two-way radio constructed in accordance with the present invention;
- Figure 2 is a side view of the radio of Figure 1;
- Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the radio of Figures 1 and 2 in which the orientation of various components within the RF module is more clearly depicted;
- Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the radio of the present invention illustrating the construction of the RF module in particular; and
- Figure 5 is a cross sectional view of an external RF connector according to the present invention.
- Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals correspond to like elements throughout, attention is first directed to Figures 1 and 2 wherein a portable two-
way radio 10 embodying the present invention is illustrated. Such a radio comprises aradio portion 12 which includes a transmitter and receiver (or transceiver) inRF module 14 and associated electronic control equipment incontrol module 16. A battery pack 18 is removably attached to and powersradio portion 12.Control module 16 is provided with a generally rectangularfront housing 20 which has a speaker andmicrophone portion 22, akeypad 24 for "dialing" or calling selected other radios or telephones, an LCD display window 26 for displaying called numbers and other programmed information in all lighting conditions, acontrol panel 28 on the top ofhousing 20 having switches, controls, knobs, lights and the like for controlling and monitoring the various radio functions, and a screw-inantenna connector 30 for anintenna 31 with which to receive and radiate a radio signal. The particular controls located oncontrol panel 28 are unimportant to the present invention, it being recognized that different radios serve different purposes - thus, the controls and their configuration are likely to be different. What they have in common, however, is the fact that they are typically located together, in what is herein referred to ascontrol module 16. Push-to-talk button 32 is located on the side ofcontrol module 16 just below theexternal control contacts 34 which mate with a universal device connector (UDC) as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. The radio ON-OFF switch 36 is associated with battery pack 18, the circuitry and operation of which is more completely described in EP-A-86 906588.8 entitled "Portable Radio Battery Pack with ON-OFF Switch". Basically, incorporation ofswitch 36 in the battery pack instead ofcontrol module 16 means that an electrical conductor does not have to be routed from the radio's battery contacts to the switch, and thereafter to a radio systems connection and/ or distribution point incontrol module 16. This makes the radio simpler, smaller and easier to maintain. - Referring now to Figure 3,
RF module 14 is depicted in an exploded view in order to more clearly show the relationship of the major components comprising the module. These components arerear cover 38,transceiver board assembly 40,honeycomb shielding 42, andshield cover 44 which together comprise the generallyrectangular RF module 14. Referring also to Figure 4,rear cover 38 is shown to comprise a thin, hollow structural casting made of a metal such as magnesium, preferably plated with copper and nickel, and painted on the outside surface for aesthetic reasons. The rear cover comprises aback wall 55 andupstanding side walls 56 forming an open-ended cavity. Theouter face 46 ofback wall 55 is typically plain but may have a carrying clip (not shown) attached thereto. To its interior,back wall 55 has integral laterally and longitudinally extending upstanding ribs 48 (ie., 48a, 48b, 48c ...) forming a honeycomb grid on theinner surface 50 which serves to shield individual components on its side oftransceiver board assembly 40. Some of theribs 48 are provided with integrally cast bolt-screw holes 52 (52a, 52b, ...). - An integral
upstanding web 54 surrounding the hollow interior cavity ofrear cover casting 38 performs a number of functions. It provides an upward extension ofthicker side walls 56 to help electrically isolate the RF module, it pilotsrear cover casting 38 into proper alignment withfront housing 20, it takes loading off theelectrical interconnect 58 between the RF and control modules by absorbing lateral shear loads, and it provides a deep weatherproofing lip to keep moisture and other foreign matter out of the interior ofRF module 14. Upstandingweb 54 is received by a downward extendingflange 60 offront housing 20,flange 60 bottoming againststep 62 betweenthicker walls 56 andweb 54, and compressingtherebetween sealing gasket 64. Gasket 64 rests in a contouredgroove encircling web 54 and serves to further seal the interior ofradio portion 12. -
Transceiver board 40 is laid upon the tops ofribs 48 in spaced relationship to theinside surface 50 ofrear cover casting 38 so as to provide room for the transceiverelectronic components 65a ... 65e (such as the frequency synthesizer circuit) which are typically mounted and interconnected on both sides of the insulated board. In the case of the lower side oftransceiver board 40, certain of the electronic components are shielded from each other and stray RF by themetal ribs 48 andside walls 56. Thus, the configuration ofribs 48 will be dictated in each case by the shielding requirements of the transceiver board components and also by the need to provide adequate support for the board. Abutting the other side oftransceiver board 40 is the honeycomb/eggcrateshield 42 which is preferably a thin-walled metal casting of zinc finished with a highly conductive, solderable protective plating such as Albaloy, a trademarked product of M&T Chemicals, Inc.Shield 42 comprises an array of open ended cells (the top and bottom are open) configured to receive particular electronic components, circuits, or portions thereof on the other side oftransceiver board 40 which are desired to be shielded from each other. Thus, likeribs 48, shielding requirements dictate the placement of cell walls 66 (i.e., 66a, 66b, 66c ...) ofshield 42. A number of the cell walls are provided withbolt holes 68 which align with rib bolt holes 52 and cooperatingholes 70 intransceiver board 40. - The top of
RF module 14 is enclosed byshield cover 44 made of thin spring metal such as phosphor bronze or nickel silver. Shield cover 44 is provided with a plurality ofspring fingers 72 which wrap around theside walls 66 ofhoneycomb shield 42 and engage, in a press-fit relationship, the inside ofupstanding web 54 which is spaced away fromhoneycomb shield 42 by an amount sufficient to permit the fit. Cover screws 74 are inserted throughholes 76 in the shield cover, through mating holes 68, 70 and threaded into rear cover casting rib holes 52 to tie theRF module 14 together. It is essential that thetransceiver board 40 be tied down firmly to prevent vibration which could upset operation of sensitive components such as the frequency synthesizer circuit which is mounted on the board. By sandwiching the transceiver board firmly betweenhoneycomb shield 42 and rearcover casting ribs 48, and then firmly tying the assembly together with strategically placed long cover screws 74, vibration of the electrical components ofboard 40 is minimized. - Figure 4 further illustrates a
controller board 78, also havingelectronic circuitry 80 mounted thereon, firmly mounted withinfront cover housing 20 by means ofbolts 81 holding the controller board in spaced relationship withRF module 14 and, in particular, in spaced relationship withcover 44. Electrical connection betweencontroller board 78 andtransceiver board 40 is accomplished entirely by means ofelectrical interconnect 58 when comprises a plurality of downwardly projectingpins 82 attached tocontroller boards 78 and a plurality of cooperating female jacks in the form ofbus 86 interconnected withtransceiver board 40. Thus, the RF module is easily removable from the control module by merely removing four screws 88 (Figure 3), holding the four corners of the two modules together and pulling the two modules apart, thereby disconnectingpins 82 frombus 86. -
RF module 14 is further provided with anexternal RF connector 90 which is used to electrically disconnect thetransceiver board 40 from the external antenna which is screwed intoantenna connector 30 and to connect it to other equipment such as an automobile antenna through a vehicular charger as is well known in the art. A problem is thatRF connector 90 is one of the most sensitive parts of the radio in that it is the point where all RF energy enters and leaves the radio. When the RF connector is associated with the control circuitry, as is the case in the prior art, it requires a great deal of shielding to prevent stray RF from interfering with the control circuitry. The concept of a sealed RF module enables the circuitry associated withRF connector 90 to be contained entirely within the sealed, shielded module, thereby solving all the RF leakage problems. -
RF connector 90 comprises aslideable insulator 92 carrying a centralmetal conductor pin 94.Insulator 92 is urged out of surroundingcollar 96 by aspring 98 disposed betweencollar 96 and an expandedhead portion 100 ofinsulator 92.Collar 96 is received within anaperture 102 through a thickenedportion 104 ofhoneycomb shield sidewall 66 and retained in position by threadedretainer 106 which is screwed into threadedhole 108 throughboss 110 formed on the side of rear cover casting 38 and which urgescollar flange 112 against the honeycomb shield. An 0-ring 114 inhibits the entry of moisture into the RF connector area. - An
antenna changeover switch 116 comprising a pair ofspring contacts transceiver board 40 and spaced away from the protruding end ofmetal conductor pin 94 by an amount less than the travel ofinsulator 92 within threadedretainer 106. Thus, when the insulator/pin assembly is urged to the left in Figure 4 so as to overcome the biasing ofspring 98,conductor pin 94 engagesspring contact 118 ofchangeover switch 116. - The electrical connection between
changeover switch 116 andtransceiver board 40 occurs at 122 with the normal conduction path being throughspring contact 118,metal button 124 andspring contact 120 tocentral conductor pin 126 of the threaded antenna connector 30 (Figure 5), thereby electrically connecting the antenna connector (and antenna 31) to the transceiver board. If it is desired to use an external antenna, an appropriate plug is inserted intoRF connector 90, thereby forcingpin 94 againstspring contact 118, interrupting the electrical contact betweenspring 118 andbutton 124 and electrically disconnectingspring contact 120 fromtransceiver board 40. Thus,central conductor pin 94 ofRF connector 90 is placed in electrical connection withRF transceiver board 40 in lieu ofantenna connector 30. -
External control contacts 34 for thecontrol module 16 are located on the side ofhousing 20 in a thickened wall sectionproximate RF connector 90 as shown in Figure 2. These metal contacts are electrically connected via aflex strip interconnect 127 tocontroller board 78 and provide interface for external speakers, microphone, push-to-talk switch, battery charger, radio programmer and the like. Because all external connection to the radio can be made only throughcontrol contacts 34 andRF connector 90 which are located in close proximity to each other, all external connections may be made with a single universal device connector (UDC) 128 which spansmodules - As shown in Figure 4, UDC 128 comprises a
housing 130 of insulating material such as LexanO polycarbonate resin encasing a plurality ofelectrical prongs 132 oriented to touchmating contacts 34 as the UDC is brought into contact with the radio. The UDC is retained in place by means ofthumb screw 134 and cooperating threadedaperture 135. At the same time, another prong in the form ofpin 136 is inserted intoRF connector 90 to disconnectradio antenna connector 30 from thetransceiver board 40 in favor of an external antenna connected to the UDC viacable 138. All accessories and other devices to be connected to theradio 10 will have their connection made by means of a universal device connector of a type similar to that depicted in Figure 4. Depending on the type of accessory or device to be connected, its UDC may have one or more of its prongs dummied or missing, it being recognized that particular ones ofcontacts 34 are meant to affect particular control functions and that electrical connection with only thosecontacts 34 need be effected by the UDC. Thus, while there is no reason for all UDCs not to look alike externally, they may differ circuit-wise depending on the particular accessory or device with which they are associated. - Thus, what has been provided is a split universal device connector apparatus wherein the
RF connector portion 90 is associated entirely with the shielded, sealedRF module 14, and the control connector portion (comprising control contacts 34) is associated entirely with thecontrol module 16, the RF and control connector portions being located physically adjacent to each other on their respective housings (rear cover casting 46 and controlhousing 20, respectively) so that a single multi-pronged UDC connector 128 can be electrically connected to both the RF and control systems modules. - We have also provided a radio with a self contained, easily replacable RF module which provides for much better shielding of RF components from the controls module of the radio while at the same time simplifying the design and miniaturizing the system because the requirement for bulky RF shielding in the controls module has been eliminated. The RF module and controls module are easily disconnected by means of our
electrical interconnect 58.
Claims (9)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US06/791,022 US4718110A (en) | 1985-10-24 | 1985-10-24 | Portable two way radio with split universal device connector apparatus |
US791022 | 1985-10-24 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP0247087A1 EP0247087A1 (en) | 1987-12-02 |
EP0247087B1 true EP0247087B1 (en) | 1991-01-23 |
Family
ID=25152427
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP86906587A Expired - Lifetime EP0247087B1 (en) | 1985-10-24 | 1986-10-15 | Portable two way radio with split universal device connector apparatus |
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Country | Link |
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US (1) | US4718110A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0247087B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE3677211D1 (en) |
DK (1) | DK166184C (en) |
WO (1) | WO1987002847A1 (en) |
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US5530619A (en) * | 1989-06-07 | 1996-06-25 | Norand Corporation | Hand-held data capture system with interchangeable modules and side-mounted function key |
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US20090322277A1 (en) * | 1992-11-30 | 2009-12-31 | Broadcom Corporation | Portable computerized data communication device |
US5367296A (en) * | 1993-02-18 | 1994-11-22 | Schell William F | Communication signal device |
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FR2851391B1 (en) * | 2003-02-18 | 2005-05-06 | Wavecom | SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING SIGNALS RECEIVED AND ISSUED BY A RADIO COMMUNICATION APPARATUS HAVING TWO MODULES, MODULE AND DEVICE CORRESPONDING |
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-
1985
- 1985-10-24 US US06/791,022 patent/US4718110A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1986
- 1986-10-15 DE DE8686906587T patent/DE3677211D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1986-10-15 EP EP86906587A patent/EP0247087B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1986-10-15 WO PCT/US1986/002138 patent/WO1987002847A1/en active IP Right Grant
-
1987
- 1987-06-22 DK DK318287A patent/DK166184C/en active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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Philips Telecommunication Review,volume 42,no.2,June 1984,Hilversum (NL),Q.Renni et al.:"PFX,a new universal portable",pages 49-62,see page 50,line 1 to page 51,line 17;figures 2-5 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE3677211D1 (en) | 1991-02-28 |
WO1987002847A1 (en) | 1987-05-07 |
EP0247087A1 (en) | 1987-12-02 |
US4718110A (en) | 1988-01-05 |
DK166184B (en) | 1993-03-15 |
DK166184C (en) | 1993-08-09 |
DK318287A (en) | 1987-06-22 |
DK318287D0 (en) | 1987-06-22 |
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